New options available for post-cataract surgery

Now, more than ever, we are seeing cataract patients continuing to play golf, play tennis, fish, use their iPads and engage in social activities that require clear vision.

Patients are much more active than they used to be, so the need for glasses-free functionality following cataract surgery has increased. The lens industry has continued to place greater emphasis on developing technology to allow people to continue these activities without the aid of distance or reading glasses following cataract surgery, and recent improvements in lens technology are allowing for highly individualized treatment plans and results.

During routine cataract surgery, the natural cloudy lens, or cataract, is removed, and an intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye so the patient can see again.

The lens power is based on the pre-operative eye measurements and chosen for each specific patient to provide them with their best possible vision.

Unfortunately, the lens included within the cost that Medicare and private insurance companies allow does not necessarily provide for glasses-free vision after surgery.

Because of the increased demand along with advancements in lens technology, we have seen a tremendous increase in the lens options available to cataract patients to address this issue.

The Symfony lens is one such new option for an intraocular lens. Produced and manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, the Symfony produces not only excellent distance vision but also seamless brilliance of vision throughout the intermediate zones.

The Symfony lens allows for very good reading vision as well. Therefore, patients can experience excellent vision during distance activities such as driving, watching television and playing golf as well as intermediate vision activities such as using their computers and smart devices.

Compared to other lens technologies, the Symfony lens technology also minimizes nighttime driving haloes and glare like those experienced with oncoming headlights. In fact, the haloes seen with the Symfony are comparable to those seen with a basic distance lens.

New lenses like the Symfony now allow ophthalmologists to maximize their patients' visual potential and custom tailor surgical results by taking advantage of the most up-to-date technologies available.

Talk to your eye doctor to see if the Symfony lens is a good option for you.